OUR VIEW: Right on, Syracuse

Things are looking up for the city and surrounding areas, if you ask us.

But if you ask others, according to a new Gallup poll, Syracuse is, out of 106 cities, the 102nd least optimistic city in the country. Yikes.

With the new $1.4 million youth sports complex about to pop up in DeWitt, the area now can be a destination for the cream of the crop of young athletics. In the city’s Eastwood neighborhood, a skate park is going to be built, giving thrill-seekers a place to gather and hang.

A few years ago, Urban Outfitters came to downtown Syracuse, and more recently came The Villa, an urban-inspired clothing store. That’s two national chains that decided Syracuse would be a great place for business.

The Westcott Neighborhood Bulb Project only continues to grow, as it’s now a city-wide initiative that has made, and will continue to make, our city blossom into a better phase. The daffodils signify change, and a lot of optimism. Because who doesn’t enjoy the sight of colorful flowers along our city streets?

You also need to look at the Syracuse men’s basketball team. Amid a mountain of scandal, the team nearly made its fourth Final Four appearance in the school’s history. The Orange has engulfed residents with pride, much like a World Series won in the Bronx does for New York Yankees fans.

And now look at the Onondaga Creekwalk. Phase one was completed back in October and the city has heard a lot of positive feedback, but also some negative. The signage directing you where to go is not present, but a class from the university hopes to change that through thorough research and, in the end, new signs and way-finding material.

The Gallup poll may show that the people of Syracuse aren’t optimistic, but take a good look around your community and answer this question: Do you honestly believe the future isn’t bright given what’s listed above and all the other wonderful things going on in your neck of the woods?

We think there’s plenty to be optimistic about, and hopefully after thinking about it, you can feel the same way.